ABOUT THIS ALBUM

Album Notes

There are those among you who have CDs by this superlative Birmingham (UK) Big Band, a youth orchestra that has a superior library, boasts patronage by the likes of the late BOB FLORENCE, ROB MCCONNELL . A current patron is Jacqui Dankworth who offered her support after recent concerts with MYJO.

A mature sound from the ensemble and our soloists will surprise. Remember, or note that many of our alumni are now internationally known e.g. trombonist Mark Nightingale, Peter Cater, Ian Palmer; Ashley Horton, Martin Williams and others you will find in the BBC Big Band , The Syd Lawrence Orchestra led by Chris Dean boasts several MYJO instrumentalists.

I think that some may be stunned and moved to check the line-up when this, the best set ever, bursts through their speakers. I am used to the excellence of the band when live, even I am stunned with this recording. Listening to Dave Tandy (drums) on the first track MAGIC FLEA (Basie) got my attention first, the original arrangement of I'LL REMEMBER APRIL set me back on my heels.

The tempo of 1,2,3 (Bob Florence) was perfect. Bob's arrangement EMILY would delight Bob if he was still with us....

Bob has guested with the band as Rob McConnell has. Both of these superlative composers and arrangers were suitably impressed and donated many arrangements to our library. Both have gone now, we miss them very much and considered them friends.

The content of the CD has been carefully selected to replicate a typical concert by the MYJO.

MAGIC FLEA: arranged Sammy Nestico. THINGS ARE GETTING BETTER Rob McConnell . TELL YOUR STORY:Bob Florence. ONE,TWO THREE: Bob Florence. A NIGHTINGALE SANG IN BERKELEY SQUARE: Arranged by Mark Armstrong. EMILY: Bob Florence. I'LL REMEMBER APRIL: Callum Roxborough**. PUMPKINETTE: Bob Florence.HAVE YOU HEARD. Pat Metheney - arranged Bob Curnow** We are proud of the fact that this arrangement was created by CALLUM who is a MYJO member. It is worthy of being included alongside the music of of Bob Florence and Rob McConnell.

For the information of those seeking a download copy of this excellent CD, please note the CD was made in a couple of sessions, the personnel varied. The band was the usual configuration for a big band.